President Bush has threatened to veto legislation renewing and expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The legislation would extend health coverage to as many as 10 million children — four million of whom are currently uninsured.

Bush has claimed the SCHIP bill contains “excessive spending”, even as he’s requested $200 billion more for the war in Iraq..  When compared to what we’re spending in Iraq, insuring an additional four million children is a bargain:

Bill Scher has even more on the bill and its importance, as does Scarecrow.  And even more from Howie:  here, here and here.  This from The Nation.  And a piece from The Hill today as well.

SCHIP is up for a vote today.  And these kids need your help.  Here are some toll free numbers to the switchboard, and also the names and numbers of folks who could use calls today on behalf of children in need.  Please make a call today to your House member — whether they are on a lsit below or not, please call every member of the House – it could make a world of difference for some kids in your community and all over this nation of ours.

Toll-free numbers to the switchboard (via katymine):

1 (800) 828 – 0498
1 (800) 459 – 1887
1 (800) 614 – 2803
1 (866) 340 – 9281
1 (866) 338 – 1015
1 (877) 851 – 6437